The dreaded “re-list”: that’s what this seller is trying to avoid in the second go-round of his listing for a very attractive 1972 Datsun 240Z that is equipped with the preferred 4-speed manual gearbox. The orange paint is a respray but it’s a great period-correct color along with the basketweave-style wheels. Though not a Series 1, this Z is on the earlier side of the production run and features the preferred smaller chrome bumpers. The current bid price is well short of what this 240Z is worth, clocking in at $6,200 at the moment with the reserve unmet. Find it here on eBay and located in Trenton, NJ.
The Z has been a model that saw fairly dramatic price increases a few years ago when it became clear long-hood Porsches were heading for the moon and not likely to come back down. Other models in the entry level vintage class, like the BMW 2002, saw a similar spike but have settled back down to normal levels. The original Z car is a bit less predictable at the moment, with pristine, over-restored cars fetching big money but drivers like this one selling for very reasonable money. The seller’s car looks clean inside and out, and while the wood-rimmed steering wheel has seen better days, that’s a minor grievance in an otherwise preserved cabin.
The L24 inline-six was crucial to the 240Z becoming a cult hero among gearheads, as it offered enthusiasts a smooth-revving and punch motor to go with a gearbox known for precise shifts. The engine doesn’t produce much horsepower by today’s standards, but 151 b.h.p. and a robust 146 lb.-ft. of torque made for compelling drive back in the early 70s. The seller’s car is equipped with factory dual sidedraft carburetors, which must make a glorious noise. Overall, the engine bay presents well with no major concerns present based on visuals alone. He notes that it has received a new battery, points, spark plugs, and ignition wires.
While the listing doesn’t mention lowering, the ride height suggests to me that this 240Z rides on sport springs, and it has clear sidemarker lenses on the front fenders. The respray in orange looks good from several feet away, but you’ll need to lay hands on it to assess quality. The presence of orange paint inside the hatch and engine bay suggests this was its original color, and whether it is or isn’t, it pairs nicely with the slim chrome bumpers that came standard on the early Z cars. Finding a desirable vintage sports car for a fair price isn’t easy these days, so hopefully the next owner can bring this 240Z home for less than $20,000.
I’m seeing Triple carbs. Webers?
Not Webers… they must be Dellortos
Always disconcerting, when there are 3 carbs and the seller says it’s dual carbs.
The 3 carbs are from the Japanese model (Fairlady). I had them on my 71 and it was a great change.
My 1970 Z’s carbs developed a nasty habit of dropping the main jet every time I applied the choke., running spectacularly rich. Japanese versions of SU’s are nice to be rid of, like on this one.
The carbs are most likely to be Mikuni. That was the carb of choice of racers, both street and track. Todd Walrich of Wolf Creek Racing was THE Mikuni guru before his much too early passing. The triple carb setup does a nice job of boosting power without losing a lot of mpg.
This looks like a decent driver as long as the body isn’t a project. These cars, as most of you already know were damn near hydrophilic-they attracted water and then rust in a way that only Fiat’s could.
I would love to put a nice driver Z in my garage.
I was a state vehicle inspector in Virginia, I never passed a 240Z. All of them had frame rot.
Ride height looks stock for a ’72. Hike up came with the 280s. Nice car.
Ended at $8,800.
Reserve Not Met.